Runners race in Carlsbad to fight cancer

CARLSBAD -- Last year, Maggie Sumner ran in the Terry Fox
Run/Walk for cancer, but on Sunday she was on the sidelines,
watching her sister and best friend take part in the 4-mile race in
Carlsbad. The 24-year-old Encinitas resident was diagnosed with
cancer in June, an ironic turn of events for the college
student.

"I've been raising money for cancer for what seems forever and
then it catches me," Sumner said as she sat in a folding chair
overlooking the race course along the Batiquitos Lagoon. "This just
goes to show you that everyone can get cancer and we can't stop
trying to find a cure. The people who came out here today are here
for a lot of reasons and I for one appreciate it."

The third annual race sponsored by the Four Seasons Resort
Aviara drew thousands of spectators and racers who wound their way
through the upscale resort and along the lagoon to raise more than
$50,000 for the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in La Jolla.

"I sign up for a lot of races but this one is pretty special,"
said David Hewitt, 48, of Carlsbad. "Everyone knows someone with
cancer so if you're raising money while running you can feel pretty
good about yourself for the rest of the day."

In 1977, 18-year-old Terry Fox of Canada was diagnosed with bone
cancer. He had his leg amputated six inches above the knee, but a
year later was running across Canada to raise money for cancer
research. Averaging 26 miles a day, he ran with an artificial leg
in hopes of inspiring others. But after covering 3,339 miles, lung
cancer forced Fox to end his run. He died in 1981, one month shy of
his 23rd birthday.

Four Seasons Resorts around the world now sponsor yearly
fund-raising runs in Fox's memory. The races, which are held
throughout the month of September, have raised $250 million for
cancer research over the last 20 years.

"I saw a special on TV about him and he was really brave," said
Erika Herman, 14, of Carlsbad. "I thought if he could run with one
leg, then I should be able to do it with two."

The winner in the men's race was Okwaro Raura. Deanne Hadley
claimed victory in the women's event. A co-ed 4-mile walk and Kid's
Kilometer were also held.

"It's great to see everyone out here running and having fun,"
Sumner said. "I'll be back out there with everyone next year."